Brand name:
Alupent
Pronounced: AL-yew-pent
Generic name:
Metaproterenol sulfate
Why is Alupent prescribed?
Alupent is a bronchodilator prescribed for the prevention and
relief of bronchial asthma and bronchial spasms (wheezing)
associated with bronchitis and emphysema. Alupent Inhalation
Solution is also used to treat acute asthmatic attacks in children 6
years of age and older.
Most important fact about Alupent
Alupent's effects last up to 6 hours. It should not be used more
frequently than your doctor recommends.
Increasing the number of doses can be dangerous and may actually
make symptoms of asthma worse. Fatalities have occurred with
excessive use of Alupent.
If the dose your doctor recommends does not provide relief of
your symptoms, if your symptoms become worse, or if side effects
occur, seek medical attention immediately.
How should you take Alupent?
Take Alupent exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
--If you miss a dose...
Take the dose as soon as you remember. Take any remaining doses
for the day at equal intervals thereafter. Do not increase the total
for the day or take 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature. Protect from light and excessive
humidity. Keep out of reach of children.
Alupent side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Alupent.
- Side effects may include:
Bad taste in mouth,
cough,
dizziness,
headache,
high blood pressure,
nausea,
nervousness,
rapid or throbbing heartbeat,
stomach and intestinal upset,
throat irritation,
tremors,
vomiting,
worsening or aggravation of asthma
Side effects can occur when a new aerosol container is used, even
though you have had no trouble with Alupent in the past.
Replacing the container may solve the problem.
Why should Alupent not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to
Alupent or similar drugs, such as Proventil, you should not take
Alupent. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug
reactions you have experienced.
Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this
medication if you have an irregular, rapid heart rate.
Special warnings about Alupent
When taking Alupent, you should not use other inhaled medications
(called sympathomimetics) before checking with your doctor. Only
your doctor can determine the sufficient amount of time between
inhaled medications.
A single dose of nebulized Alupent used to treat an acute attack
of asthma may temporarily relieve symptoms but not completely stop
the attack.
Consult your doctor before using Alupent if you have a
heart condition, a convulsive disorder such as epilepsy, high blood
pressure, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus. Alupent can cause
significant changes in blood pressure.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Alupent
If Alupent is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Alupent with
the following:
MAO inhibitors (antidepressant drugs such as Nardil and Parnate)
Bronchodilators such as Ventolin and Proventil inhalers
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Alupent during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. It is not known whether Alupent appears in
breast milk. If Alupent is essential to your health, your
doctor may advise you to stop nursing your baby until your treatment
is finished.
Recommended dosage for Alupent
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
- Symptoms of Alupent overdose may include:
Dizziness,
dry mouth,
fatigue,
general feeling of bodily discomfort,
headache,
high or low blood pressure,
inability to fall or stay asleep,
irregular heartbeat,
nausea,
nervousness,
rapid,
fluttery heartbeat,
severe,
suffocating chest pain,
tremors
|
